Although Labour have decided not to give residents the option of “no sale” when consultation starts shortly on the Union Terrace issue, it is apparent that their party is divided on the issue.
What has been forgotten is that there are many other controversial proposals that they have in the pipeline. Having endorsed the Simpson “Beautiful City” report, with what seemed indecent haste last year, the Labour Leadership know that they now have to deliver a traffic free “Great Street” – with a tram link (!) – amongst other things.
Car parking will be a big issue as the Councils local plan approaches completion. The Haymarket car park is already on the Council “for sale” list and several groups want to see the Castle car park grassed over.
The Council’s current policy – agreed in 2009 when all 3 major parties backed it – is to retain broadly the same number of parking spaces in the City centre as exist now. This hasn’t been changed by the new administration so one wonders where these spaces will come from?
The Council now needs to pause. It needs to have a clear and practical vision of where its wants to be with the City centre in the short and long term.
One piece of good news for James Alexander though. I understand that he took second place in the George Michael look alike contest over the weekend. Congratulations!
George Michael
